How do wolf packs hunt

They may be injured, sick, old, very young or genetically inferior. But even healthier animals can at times find themselves in a vulnerable position. Over time this process allows the most capable prey animals to survive and pass on their genes and it helps to limit the spread of diseases within the herd.

This is an ancient evolutionary success story shared by both predator and prey. It is during a hunt where co-operation between wolves within a pack is most apparent. A wolf pack may trail a herd of elk, caribou or other large prey for days before making its move. During this time, they are already hunting, assessing the herd, looking for an animal that displays any sign of weakness, and this is just the beginning.

Wolves must also factor in other conditions that will affect the hunt; weather and terrain can tip the scales in favor of predator or prey. For example, a wide-open plain favors the ungulates, who, if full-grown and healthy, can outrun the fastest wolf. On the other hand, crusty snow or ice favors the wolves whose wide round paws have evolved to perform like snowshoes and carry them effortlessly over the surface. An experienced wolf is well aware that hoofed animals break through the crust and can become bogged down in deep snow.

Wolves have learned to use these conditions to their advantage. The late wolf biologist, Dr. Gordon Haber speaks of a particular pack in Alaska that he observed following a herd of caribou on a narrow packed trail through deep snow.

The wolves know that their mere presence, following close behind, will eventually panic the caribou. Other competing predators would be cougar, coyote, bear and humans. Almost every time they are hungry, wolves must find and bring down prey. Each predator has its own tools and hunting strategies. Wolves use their incredible sense of smell combined with excellent hearing abilities to help them find prey. Wolves chase and test their prey, looking for the animals they can kill while expending as little energy as possible and decreasing chances of injury.

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By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Share Twit Share Email. Mollies Pack Wolves Baiting a Bison. Image: Wikipedia. More information: Wolf-pack Canis lupus hunting strategies emerge from simple rules in computational simulations, Behavioural Processes, Volume 88, Issue 3, November , Pages This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission.

The content is provided for information purposes only. SpaceX launches 53 Starlink satellites into orbit 17 hours ago. Nov 12, Covid vaccines - CDC report on associated mortality Nov 12, Related Stories. Instead, wolf-hunting strategies appear highly flexible, and they are able to switch between hunting modes cursorial and ambush hunting depending on their prey. Materials provided by University of Minnesota. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Science News. Story Source: Materials provided by University of Minnesota. Wolves choose ambushing locations to counter and capitalize on the sensory abilities of their prey.

Behavioral Ecology , DOI: ScienceDaily, 9 February University of Minnesota.